Modular television system

ABSTRACT

A modular television system may include a display subsystem and a television module subsystem. The display subsystem has a housing that contains a display panel for displaying images and display subsystem port. The television module subsystem has a housing that contains a main board and a television module port in communication with the main board. In another embodiment, the modular television system may include a main module. The main module may include a main module processor, a display controller, an audio output device, and at least one computing module port. Each of the display controller, audio output device and computing module ports are in communication with the main module processor. The main module processor functions to present audio and video received by the main module processor. In addition, the main module processor is configured to communicate with a removable computing module.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application62/125,871 filed on Feb. 2, 2015 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application62/116,831 filed on Feb. 16, 2015, both of which are hereby incorporatedby reference in their entirety.

BACKGROUND

1. Field of the Invention

The invention relates to television display systems.

2. Summary of the Known Art

Initially, televisions (TVs) were capable of receiving outsideprogramming via the use of an analog antenna. The analog antenna wouldreceive analog signals from a transmission tower and the televisionsystem would display audio and video images on the display of thetelevision. With the growth of cable television, cable televisionproviders provided programming to televisions via a cable set top box.The cable set top box would receive television signals from a coaxialcable. The cable set top box would descramble these signals and providethem to the television, wherein the television would then display theaudio and video images. Further improvements in televisions incorporatedthe use of additional electronics for “cable ready” television systems.These television systems already contain additional electronics fordescrambling a cable signal, minimizing the need for a cable set topbox.

However, with the advent of digital television, cable providers andothers provided even more complex programming to a television using adigital set top box. The digital set top box has the capability ofdescrambling hundreds of channels but also had additional capabilities,such as providing on demand programming and other interactive features.Even more recently, modern television systems have integrated both anInternet connection capability combined with a high performance centralprocessing unit and/or graphics processing unit. Many third partyapplications can be downloaded by the users of the television systems,including video streaming services and gaming applications.

As these video streaming services, gaming applications and otherapplications become more complex, more powerful processing is requiredby the television system. As such, central processors and graphicprocessors that are integrated within the television systems may becomeobsolete in terms of their computing capability, but the display of thetelevision system may not obsolete in terms of the display capability.As a work around, some users utilize an over the top box or set top boxin order to run updated applications. These add on devices, however,compromise the user experience, as the user now needs to operatemultiple remote controls to power on the systems and to go to thedesired content. Further complicating matters, each set top box ortelevision system may have very different graphical user interfacesfurther compromising the user experience.

SUMMARY

A modular television system may include a main module housing. Locatedwithin the main module housing may be a main module processor, adisplay, and at least one computing module port. Each of the display,audio output device and computing module ports are in communication withthe main module processor. The main module processor functions topresent audio and video received by the main module processor.

In addition, the main module processor is configured to communicate witha removable computing module. The removable computing module isconfigured to connect to the computing module port of the main module.The removable computing module has a computing module processor, whereinthe main module processor is configured to communicate with data fromthe computing module processor when presenting audio and video receivedby at least one of a plurality of inputs/output ports. The plurality ofinput/output ports are in communication with the main module processoror the computing module processor.

In another embodiment, the modular television system may include adisplay subsystem and a television module subsystem. The displaysubsystem has a housing that contains a display panel for displayingimages and display subsystem port. The television module subsystem has ahousing that contains a main board and a television module port incommunication with the main board. The main board is located within thehousing and is configured to communicate with the display subsystem viaat least one cord.

The modular television system may also include a timing controllermodule in communication with the display panel for controlling imagesdisplayed by the display panel of the display subsystem and a backlightcontroller in communication with the display panel as well. Thebacklight controller is configured to control the backlighting of thedisplay panel. A power supply may be located in the housing of thetelevision module subsystem and functions to supply power to the mainboard of the television module subsystem and the display subsystem. Thetiming controller module and/or backlight controller may be locatedeither in the housing of the television module subsystem or the housingof the display subsystem. This allows either or both the timingcontroller module or backlight controller to be located in the displaysubsystem or the television module subsystem thereby providing a modulardesign for the television system.

Further objects, features and advantages of this invention will becomereadily apparent to persons skilled in the art after a review of thefollowing description, with reference to the drawings and claims thatare appended to and form a part of this specification.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system;

FIG. 2 illustrates a backside of the modular television system of FIG.1;

FIG. 3 illustrates the backside of the modular television system of FIG.1, with a computing module being either inserted or removed from themodular television system;

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of the modulartelevision system;

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a main module;

FIG. 6 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of the computingmodule;

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a generalconnection routing between the computing module and the main module;

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram illustrating networkaccess provided to the computing modules via the main module;

FIGS. 9 and 10 illustrate an embodiment of a block diagram of differentlocal area network and routing configurations of the main module and thecomputing module;

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a system havingthe main module and computing modules utilizing Internet protocoladdress distribution;

FIG. 12 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram for sharing deviceswith the computing modules via the main module;

FIG. 13 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of anothermethodology for sharing devices with the computing modules via the mainmodule;

FIG. 14 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram wherein networkaccess is provided to the main module via the computing module;

FIG. 15 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram utilizing anInternet protocol address distribution wherein network access isprovided to the main module via the computing module;

FIG. 16 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram utilizing anInternet protocol address distribution wherein network access isprovided to the main module via one or more computing modules;

FIG. 17 illustrates an embodiment of another methodology for sharingdevices with the computing module via the main module;

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a digitaltelevision signal processing application scenario;

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a scenarioinvolving video on demand streaming;

FIG. 20 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for analogtelevision signal processing;

FIG. 21 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for an interactivegaming scenario;

FIGS. 22 and 23 illustrate an embodiment of an application scenarioutilizing a set top box;

FIG. 24 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a multiscreensharing application scenario;

FIG. 25 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a multiscreeninteraction scenario;

FIG. 26 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a video ondemand streaming scenario;

FIG. 27 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for an interactivegaming scenario;

FIG. 28 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a multiscreensharing application scenario;

FIG. 29 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a multiscreeninteraction scenario;

FIG. 30 illustrates an embodiment of an storage device storing fordevice information of the computing module;

FIG. 31 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system;

FIG. 32 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system havingspeakers separate from the housing of the television subsystem;

FIG. 33 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system havinga timing controller located within the housing of the display system;

FIG. 34 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system havinga backlight control located within the housing of the display system;

FIG. 35 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system havinga main module and a computing module;

FIG. 36 illustrates an embodiment of a modular television system havingseparate speakers; and

FIG. 37 through 39 illustrate an embodiment of modular televisionsystems having speakers located at different locations.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Referring now to FIG. 1, modular television system 10 is shown. Themodular television system 10 has a display 12 for displaying images. Themodular television system 10 may also have one or more speakers 14 and16 integrated within a housing 18 of the modular television system 10.The speakers 14 and 16 function to provide sound from the modulartelevision system 10. Of course, it should be understood, that any oneof a number of different types or quantity of speakers may be utilized.In addition, the speakers 14 and 16 may be separate and apart from themodular television system 10.

Referring to FIG. 2, a back side 11 of the modular television system 10is shown. Here, the housing 18 includes a portion 20 of the housing 18that may contain electronics associated with the modular televisionsystem 10. Here, the modular television system includes a plurality ofinput/output ports 22.

Located within the portion 20 of the housing 18 is a main module 24. Aswill be explained later, the main module 24 has a main module processorthat is in communication with the plurality of the input/output ports22. The plurality of input/output ports 22 may include any one of anumber of different ports. For embodiment, the plurality of input/outputports could include universal serial bus (USB) ports, high definitionmultimedia interface (HDMI) ports, Ethernet ports, coaxial cable ports,digital video ports, video graphics array (VGA) ports, and the like.Additionally or alternatively, the input/output ports 22 could includeany one of a number of different wireless interfaces such as Wi-Fi orBluetooth interfaces.

Also in communication with the main module 24 are removable computingmodules 26 and 28 that are in communication with the main module 24 viaa connector, which will be described in more detail later. As best shownin FIG. 3, the computing module 26 can slide into an opening 30 of theportion 20 of the housing 18.

Referring to FIG. 4, a block diagram view of the modular televisionsystem 10 is shown. Here, the computing modules 26 and 28 each havecomputing module ports 32 and 34. The computing module ports 32 and 34are configured to mate with main module ports 36 and 38, respectively.The computing module ports 32 and 34 are in communication withprocessors found on the computing modules 26 or 28, while the mainmodule ports 36 and 38 are in communication with processors on the mainmodule 24. When computing module port 32 is connected to main moduleport 36, this places the processors of computing module 26 incommunication with the main module 24. In a like manner, when computingmodule port 34 is connected to main module port 38, computing module 28is placed in communication with the processors of the main module 24.

In this embodiment, the main module 24 is in direct communication withthe ports 22 and the display 12. The main module 24 can control what isdisplayed on the display 12 as well as receive inputs or transmitoutputs to or from the ports 22. When the computing modules 26 and/or 28are connected to the main module 24 via the ports 32, 34, 36, and 38,this allows the computing modules 26 and 28 to interact with the ports22 as well as control what is displayed on the display 12. The mainmodule 24 may be in charge of presenting audio and video on the display12 in viewing conditions and may bear the function of image and audiopost processing as well as be in charge of television receiving innetwork connections.

The computing modules 26 and/or 28 may be in charge of digitalmultimedia decoding of various formats and execution of variousapplications. For these reasons, the computing modules 26 and/or 28 mayhave a more powerful central processor or graphic processor to powermodern operating systems, such as Linux, Android, and iOS and others. Bymaking the computing modules 26 and/or 28 separate from the main modules24, one can update the modular television system 10 by simply unpluggingan older computing module and replacing with a newer and more powerfulcomputing module. This allows the user to retain the display 12 whichmay still be current enough to date, but replace and upgrade thecomputing power providing audio and video images to the display 12.

Referring to FIG. 5, a more detailed view of the main module 24 isshown. The main module 24 may include one or more processors. Forexample, the main module 24 may include a central processor 40, agraphics processor 42 and a video post processor 44. These processors40, 42, and 44 communicate with each other via a system bus 46.

Also in communication with the system bus 46 may be an analog videodecoder 48, an Ethernet interface 50, a control interface 52 and thedisplay processor 13. The display processor 13 provides signals topresent on the display 12. The control interface 52 may include an I2C,a UART, and/or a GPIO interface. There may also be additional interfaces56, 58, and 60 that may be in communication with the system bus 46.These additional interfaces 56, 58 and/or 60 may include USB, a serialperipheral interface, a wireless Wi-Fi interface, a wireless Bluetoothinterface, camera interface or other input/output device interfaces,such as a mouse or keyboard. In addition to video, there may also be anaudio post processor 62. Memory for connecting with these variousprocessors and interfaces may be in the form of a dynamic random accessmemory 64 as in communication with the system bus 46. By so doing, thedevices previously described have access to the memory 64 via the bus46.

The main module 24 may also include other more traditional televisioncomponents as well. For example, main module 24 may include a tuner 66for receiving radio frequencies from an incoming antenna. The mainmodule 24 may also include an analog TV demodulator 66 and/or a digitalTV demodulator 68. The analog TV demodulator 66 may be communicationwith the analog video decoder 48 or the memory 64, while the digital TVdemodulator 68 may be in communication with the memory 64. In addition,the main module 24 may have an audio/video input 70 as well as a HDMIreceiver 72.

Several of the interfaces of the main module 24 may also be placed incommunication with the computing modules 26 and 28. For example, theHDMI receiver 72, digital TV demodulator 68 and/or analog TV demodulator66, processor 40, Ethernet interface 50, control interface 52, may allor in some part be placed in communication with the computing module 26and/or 28.

Referring to FIG. 6, a more detailed view of the computing module 26 isshown. As it should be understood, a description regarding the computingmodule 26 is equally applicable to the computing module 28. Here, thecomputing module 26 has a central processor 74, a graphics processor 76,a digital video decoder 78, and a digital audio processor 80. Each ofthe central processor 74, graphics processor 76, digital video decoder78, and digital audio processor 80 are in communication with a dynamicrandom access memory 82 as well as a system bus 84. In addition, thecomputing module 26 may include a transport stream demultiplexer 86, anEthernet interface 88, a control interface 90, and a HDMI transmitter92. Each of these devices may be in communication with the system bus84.

Power is provided to the computing module 26 from a power input 94 thatreceives power from the main module 24. The control interface 90 mayinclude an I2C, UART, and/or GPIO interface. The transport streamdemultiplexer 86, control interface 90, and HDMI transmitter 92 may allbe in direct connection with the main module 24 via the port 32. Thecentral processor 74 and/or graphics processor 76 of the computingmodule 26 may offer assistance to displaying images and providing videoto the user of the main module 24.

For example, the main module 24 may be responsible for analog videoreceiving and decoding, digital video receiving and demodulation, ultrahigh definition image processing, which may include noise reduction,super resolution scaling, sharpening, dynamic range enhancement, colorand skin tone adjustment, deinterlacing, microdimming and backlightcontrol, among others. In addition, the main module 24 may beresponsible for high definition multimedia interface reception,universal serial bus interfacing, as well as wireless interfacing suchas Wi-Fi or Bluetooth. Further, the main module 24 may also beresponsible for Ethernet in providing a network connection to computingmodule 26.

The computing module 26 may, for example, be responsible for ultrahighdefinition digital video recording, transport stream demultiplexing fordigital television decoding, digital multimedia decoding, providing ahigh quality graphical user interface of the user of the system 10, andallow for the downloading and execution of third party applications suchas video streaming or gaming.

The interfacing between the ports 32 and 36 and ports 34 and 38, bestshown in FIG. 4, can take any one of a number of different forms. In oneembodiment, the following table shows a 58 pin interface.

Pin# Pin definition Notes 1 GND GND 2 HDMI3_HPDIN HDMI 3 HDMI-5V 4HDMI3_CLKN 5 GND 6 HDMI3_CLKP 7 HDMI3_RX0N 8 GND 9 HDMI3_RX0P 10HDMI3_RX1N 11 GND 12 HDMI3_RX1P 13 HDMI3_RX2N 14 GND 17 GND 18 HDMI3_SCL19 GND GND 20 GPIO CM awakening 21 GPIO3 Power-off ready notificationfrom CM to MM 22 CMA CM Selection 23 GND GND 24 PLUG DETECT Plug/unplugdetection 25 GND 26 NET_TXN Gigabit Ethernet 27 NET_TXP 28 GND 29NET_RXN 30 NET_RXP 31 GND 32 NET_ND3 33 NET_PD3 34 GND 37 GND GND 38 SDAHand shaking 39 SCL 40 GND GND 41 TS_CLK TS 42 TS_SYNC 43 TS_VLD 44TS_D7 45 TS_D6 46 TS_D5 47 TS_D4 48 TS_D3 49 TS_D2 50 TS_D1 51 TS_D0 52GND GND 53 12 V/2 A POWER 54 12 V/2 A 55 GND GND 56 UART_RX Hand shaking57 UART_TX 58 GND GND

In this embodiment, pins 53 and 54 provide power to the computing module26 from the main module 24. Pins 2-18 transmit video and audio signalsfrom the computing module 26 to the main module 24. Pins 26-33 providean Ethernet link that forms a local area network for the whole system ofthe main module 24 and the computing module 26. Internet data is passedthrough this link and is also used to share peripheral devices betweenthe main module 24 and the computing module 26. Pins 41-51 provide atransport stream link from the main module 24 to the computing module 26in the case of a digital television signal receiving and decoding. Pin22 is utilized to identify the computing modules, up to two computingmodules if only one pin is used and up to four computing modules ifthere are two pins utilized. Additional computing modules can beidentified if additional pins are utilized on the interface. Pins 20,21, 39, 56, and 57 transmit handshaking and/or control informationbetween the main module 24 and a computing module 26.

Of course, it should be understood that the arrangement and the numberof pins can vary according to product requirement. Furthermore,grounding pins are used to prevent interference between signals. Itshould further be understood that the type of connector utilized by theinterface can vary as required by application.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of a block diagram of a generalconnection routing between the computing modules 26 and 28 and the mainmodule 24. Here, it is shown that both computing modules 26 and 28 arein communication with a routing block 96 that connects the computingmodules 26 and 28 to Ethernet or Wi-Fi. Further, the computing modules26 and 28 are connected to a digital demodulation block 98. In addition,the computing modules 26 and 28 are connected to other variouscommunication systems such as GPIO, UART, I2C, and power of the mainmodule 24 by block 100. Further, the computing modules 26 and 28 areconnected to the HDMI interface 72 of the main module 24 as well. Assuch, the computing modules 26 and 28 can have access to any of thedevices or interfaces located on the main module 24. This can includeany one of the plurality of ports 22, shown in FIG. 4, such as USB,serial peripheral interface, wireless interfaces, or access to otherinput devices such as a mouse or keyboard that are connected to the mainmodule 24.

Referring to FIG. 8, an embodiment of a block diagram illustratingnetwork access provided to the computing modules 26 and 28 via the mainmodule 24 is shown. Here, the computing modules 26 and 28 are connectedto the main module 24 via ports 32, 34, 36, and 38, best shown in FIG.4. The main module 24 is connected to the Internet either via anEthernet cable 104 or via a Wi-Fi connection 106. Ethernet cable 104and/or Wi-Fi connection 106 allows the main module 24 to communicatewith the Internet. Because the computing modules 26 and 28 are bothconnected to the main module 24, Internet access to the computingmodules 26 and 28 can be provided.

A local area network is formed in the main module 24 and the computingmodules 26 and 28 through an Ethernet hub with routing capability. Therouting hub can be realized by central processor software or by ahardware accelerator. In this case, the computing modules 26 and 28 donot have to have network access that is independent of the main module24. The local area network not only allows network connection for boththe main module 24 and the computing modules 26 and 28, but also allowsdevice sharing as will be described later in this application. Ofcourse, it should be understood, that the computing modules 26 and/or 28may also be configured with a Wi-Fi or Ethernet interface allowing thecomputing modules 26 and/or 28 to communicate directly with the Internetinstead of interfacing with the main module 24. In this configuration,Internet access to the main module 24 could be provided by interfacingwith the computing modules 26 and/or 28, if they are configured to bedirectly connected to the Internet.

Referring to FIGS. 9 and 10, a block diagram of an embodiment fordifferent local area network and routing configurations of the mainmodule 24 and the computing modules 26 and 28 is shown. In FIG. 9, themain module 24 has three separate Ethernet interfaces 108, 110, and 112.Interfaces 110 and 112 are connected to computing modules 26 and 28,respectively. The interfaces 110 and 112 are also both connected tointerface 108. Here, the interfaces 110 and 112 connect to the Internet114 via an access point 116 which has been in direct communication withthe Ethernet interface 108.

FIG. 10 illustrates an alternative solution. In FIG. 10, interfaces 110and 112 have been replaced with an Ethernet switch 118 that is connectedto the computing modules 26 and 28 and also the Ethernet interface 108.The computing modules 26 and 28 connect to the Ethernet switch 118 firstand then the computing modules 26 and 28 then connect to the Internet114 via the Ethernet interface 108. Regardless of which methodology isutilized, data routing between the main module 24 and the computingmodules 26 and 28 can be assisted by the central processor or a hardwareaccelerator if necessary.

Referring to FIG. 11, the block diagram of an embodiment of the systemhaving the main module 24, and computing modules 26 and 28 is shown,wherein Internet protocol (IP) address distribution is shown. In thisconfiguration, the main module 24 has Ethernet interfaces 110, 112, and108 as previously described in FIG. 9. It should also be understood thatthe configuration shown in FIG. 10 is equally applicable to the Internetprotocol address distribution methodology that will be described.

There are some application scenarios where another device, such as asmart phone 118, is connected to the same access point 116 as the mainmodule 24 and desires to discover the computing modules 26 and/or 28.This may arise in the case of multiscreen applications that will belater described in this specification.

This function can be realized by adding a block 120 for IP addressdistribution. In this case, the main module 24 is assigned an IP addressby the access point 116. Another device, such as a smart phone 118 isalso connected to the access point 116. The IP address distributionblock 120 will produce virtual IP addresses for the computing modules 26and/or 28 so that the computing modules 26 and/or 28 would appear as ifthey are in the same network as both the main module 24 and the smartphone 118, instead of just being a subnetwork of the main module 24. TheIP address distribution block 120 can be a hardware accelerator orsoftware solution running on any one of the processors of the mainmodule 24.

Referring to FIG. 12, an embodiment of a methodology for sharing deviceswith the computing modules 26 and 28 via the main module 24 is shown. Inthe embodiment that the main module 24 provides Internet access to thecomputing modules 26 and 28 via an Ethernet cable 104 or a wirelessInternet interface 106, peripheral devices 122 may also be able tocommunicate with the computing modules 26 and 28 via the main module 24.As such, the main module 24 may have any one of a number of differentports, such as universal serial bus ports. Peripheral devices, such ascameras, flash drives, keyboards/mouse are physically plugged into themain module 24. These devices are also made visible and useable to thecomputing modules 26 and 28 through the over-the-network technology.

One methodology for device sharing can be implemented by first defininga private protocol. In this case, the main module 24 interprets datafrom the devices 122 and packages the data with a header containing themain module interpreted information, such as device type, data type, andlength. The package data is sent to one or all of the computing modules26 and/or 28 over the Ethernet. The computing modules 26 and 28 areconfigured to understand the packaged data format. One possible way ofimplementing this is to add a virtual device driver to the kennel of thecomputing modules 26 and 28. The advantage of this private protocol isthat performance is good since device data is may only be interpretedonce at the main module 24.

Another methodology for device sharing utilizes a standard protocol. Inthis situation, a USB device is interpreted by the main module 24 and ispackaged as USB data and sent to one of the computing modules 26 or 28over the Ethernet connection between the main module 24 and thecomputing modules 26 or 28 in the form of Internet protocol packets. Invirtual software, a USB driver is running on the computing modules 26 or28. The computing module 26 or 28 would assemble the Internet protocolpackets and would see the data as USB data and would see the USB deviceas if it's plugged into the computing module 26 or 28 itself. Thismethodology has the advantage in that the computing module 26 or 28would see the USB devices as if they are plugged into the computingmodule itself although they are actually plugged into the main module24.

Referring to FIG. 13, another methodology for device sharing is shown.Here, the USB devices 122 are plugged into the USB interfaces of themain module 24. Switches 124, 126, and 128 are utilized to assign a USBdevice to one of the main module 24 and the computing modules 26 and 28.If such a methodology is utilized, the connection between the computingmodules 26 and 28 and the main module 24 would include pins providingUSB links, which can be as many in number of USB devices plugged intothe system. Once the USB device is assigned/switched to one of the mainmodule 24 and computing modules 26 and 28, only the designated mainmodule 24 or computing module 26 or 28 can see/use the USB deviceexclusively.

Referring to FIG. 14, a block diagram illustrating an embodiment ofnetwork access provided to the main module 24 via the computing module26 is shown. Here, the computing module 26 (and/or 28) is connected tothe main module 24 via ports 32, 34, 36, and 38, best shown in FIG. 4.The computing module 26 is connected to the Internet either via anEthernet cable 107 or via a Wi-Fi connection 105. Ethernet cable 107and/or Wi-Fi connection 105 allows the computing module 26 tocommunicate with the Internet. Because the main module 24 is connectedto the computing module 26, Internet access to the main module 24 can beprovided.

Referring to FIG. 15, a block diagram of an embodiment of the systemhaving the main module 24, and computing module 26 is shown, whereinInternet protocol (IP) address distribution is shown. In thisconfiguration, the computing module 26 has Ethernet interfaces 110 and108. Here, the computing module 26 could be configured to access theexternal network, such as the Internet 114, independently. This canbenefit some application scenarios where another device, such as a smartphone 118, is connected to the same access point 116 and desires todiscover the computing modules 26 and the main module 24. This may arisein the case of multiscreen applications that will be later described inthis specification.

This feature can be realized by adding a block 120 for IP addressdistribution. In this case, the computing module 26 is assigned an IPaddress by the access point 116. Another device, such as a smart phone118 may be also connected to the access point 116. The IP addressdistribution block 120 will produce virtual IP addresses for the mainmodule 24 so that the main module 24 would appear as if it is in thesame network as both the computing module 26 and the smart phone 118,instead of just being a subnetwork of the computing module 26. The IPaddress distribution block 120 can be a hardware accelerator or softwaresolution running on any one of the processors of the computing module26.

Referring to FIG. 16, a block diagram of the system having the mainmodule 24 and both computing modules 26 and 28 is shown, whereinInternet protocol (IP) address distribution is utilized. In thisconfiguration, each of the computing modules 26 and 28 have interfaces110 and 108. Like before, the computing module 26 and/or 28 could beconfigured to access the external network, such as the Internet 114,independently. This can benefit some application scenarios where anotherdevice, such as a smart phone 118, is connected to the same access point116 and desires to discover the computing modules 26 or 28 and the mainmodule 24. This may arise in the case of multiscreen applications thatwill be later described in this specification.

This feature can be realized by adding a block 120 for IP addressdistribution to each of the computing module 26 and 28. In this case,the computing modules 26 and 28 are assigned an IP address by the accesspoint 116. Another device, such as a smart phone 118 may be alsoconnected to the access point 116. The IP address distribution block 120in either the computing module 26 or 28 will produce a virtual IPaddress for the main module 24 so that the main module 24 would appearas if it is in the same network as both the computing modules 26 and/or28 and the smart phone 118, instead of just being a subnetwork of thecomputing modules 26 and/or 28. The IP address distribution block 120can be a hardware accelerator or software solution running on any one ofthe processors of the computing modules 26 and/or 28.

Referring to FIG. 17, another methodology for sharing devices with thecomputing module 26 (or 28) via the main module 24 is shown. In thisembodiment, the computing module 26 provides Internet access to mainmodule 24 via either an Ethernet cable 107 or a wireless Internetinterface 105. Peripheral devices 122 may also be able to communicatewith the computing module 26 (or 28) via the main module 24. As such,the main module 24 may have any one of a number of different ports, suchas universal serial bus ports. Peripheral devices, such as cameras,flash drives, keyboards/mouse are physically plugged into the mainmodule 24. These devices are also made visible and useable to thecomputing modules 26 and 28 through the over-the-network technology.

Like before, one way for device sharing can be implemented by firstdefining a private protocol. In this case, the main module 24 interpretsdata from the devices 122 and packages the data with a header containingthe main module interpreted information, such as device type, data type,and length. The package data is sent to one or all of the computingmodules 26 and/or 28 over the Ethernet. The computing modules 26 and 28are configured to understand the packaged data format. One possible wayof implementing this is to add a virtual device driver to the kennel ofthe computing modules 26 and 28. The advantage of this private protocolis that performance is good since device data is only interpreted onceat the main module 24.

Like described above, another methodology for device sharing utilizes astandard protocol. In this situation, a USB device is interpreted by themain module 24 and is packaged as USB data and sent to one of thecomputing modules 26 or 28 over the Ethernet connection between the mainmodule 24 and the computing modules 26 or 28 in the form of Internetprotocol packets. In virtual software, a USB driver is running on thecomputing modules 26 or 28. The computing module 26 or 28 would assemblethe Internet protocol packets and would see the data as USB data andwould see the USB device as if it's plugged into the computing module 26or 28 itself. This methodology has the advantage in that the computingmodule 26 or 28 would see the USB devices as if they are plugged intothe computing module itself although they are actually plugged into themain module 24.

FIG. 18 illustrates an embodiment of a process flow for a digitaltelevision signal processing application scenario. As such, previouslydescribed elements from FIGS. 4 and 5 are referenced in this scenarioand several of the scenarios in the Figures that follow. In thisscenario, a television broadcasting signal 130 is received by the tuner66 of the main module. The tuner 66 of the main module processes thesignal and converts it to an intermediate frequency signal 132. Theintermediate frequency signal 132 is then provided to the digitaltelevision demodulator 68 where the signal is demodulated and a digitalsignal is obtained. In North America, the ATSC signal is demodulated, inEurope DVB-T signal is demodulated, in China DTMB signal is demodulated,in Japan as well as some other countries, an ISDB-T signal isdemodulated or a DVB-C signal is demodulated if the broadcasting signalis a cable television signal.

The output 134 of the demodulation is the transport stream and is sentto the computing module through the connection between the main module24 and the computing module 26. If there are multiple computing moduleson the system, the main module 24 can select the computing module whichwas selected when digital television was watched last time or any of thecomputing modules.

The transport stream demultiplexing block 86 in the computing moduleprocesses the transport stream and separates it into the elementaryaudio and video bit streams. The video stream 136 is sent to the digitalvideo decoder 78 of the computing module for video decoding. The audiostream 138 is sent to the digital audio decoder 80 of the computingmodule for audio decoding. The decoded video and audio signals 140 and142 are sent back to the main module through a high definitionmultimedia interface 72. The video post processor 44 receives the videosignal and performs image enhancement processing and passes the resultto the display block for video output to the display panel. This outputcan be digital such as V-by-one and LVDS or can be analog such as YPbPr.The audio post processor 62 receives the audio signal and does postprocessing and prepares an audio output. The audio output can be digitalsuch as 12S or SPDIF or can be analog, such as a line out signal.Interactions between the user and the system is through a Bluetooth orinfrared remote control that interacts with appropriate receiver 144.The main module CPU 40 will pass the command received by the receiver144 and take corresponding action such as bringing up an on screendisplay or changing the channel.

FIG. 19 illustrates an embodiment of another scenario involving video ondemand streaming. Here, Internet data 146 is requested by a computingmodule streaming application running on the CPU 74 of the computingmodule. Requested data is received by the Ethernet device 50 or by Wi-Fion the main module. The data is routed to the computing module that hasrequested the data. This routing occurs with the help of the main moduleprocessor 40. In addition, some hardware accelerator can be included inthe main module to assist the data routing if performance is a concern.The data path is the Ethernet link between the main module and thecomputing module.

The processor 74 of the computing module processes the Internet data andderives the video and audio streams. The video stream 136 is sent to thedigital video decoder 78 for video decoding, while the audio stream 138is sent to the digital audio processor 80 for audio decoding.

The decoded video and audio signals 140 and 142 are sent back to themain module through a high definition multimedia interface 72. The videopost processing 44 receives the video signal and may perform imageenhancement processing and passes the result to the display processor 13for video output. Like before, the output can be digital such asV-by-one and LVDS or can be analog such as YPbPr. The audio postprocessor 62 receives the audio signal and performs post processing andprepares the audio output. This audio output can be digital or can beanalog.

Similarly, interactions between the user and the system is through thereceiver 144 via a remote control that may be infrared remote orBluetooth remote. The main module processor 40 will send the commandreceived by the receiver 144 to the computing module through theEthernet link between the main module and the computing module. In somecases, voice data may be present in some interactions scenarios. Thecomputing module processor 74 will take the corresponding actions basedon the input received.

Referring to FIG. 20, an embodiment of a scenario involving analogtelevision signal processing is shown. In this scenario, a TVbroadcasting signal is received by the tuner 66 of the main module 24.The tuner 66 processes the radio frequency signal and changes it to ananalog intermediate frequency signal. The intermediate frequency signalis then fed into the analog demodulation block 66, wherein the signal isdemodulated and a separate video signal 148 and audio signal 150 areobtained. The video signal 148 is sent to the analog video decoder 48.This video signal may be NSTC compliant in North America, PAL (orcertain flavor of PAL) compliant in most European countries and Chinaand SECAM compliant in some other European countries. The analog videodecoder 48 derives the component video signals Y, Cb, and Cr. The Y, Cb,and Cr signals are sent to the video post processing block 44, whereinimage enhancement processing is performed and the result is passed tothe display processor 13 for output to the display panel. The output canbe digital such as V-by-one and LVDS or can be analog such as YPbPr. Theaudio signal 150 is sent to the audio post processor 62, where it isprocessed for sound effect and output. The output can be digital such asI2S or SPDIF or it can be analog such as a line out signal.

Referring to FIG. 21, an embodiment of an interactive gaming scenario isshown. Here, the gaming application may be running on the computingmodule processor 74 and the graphic processor 76 of the computingmodule. Some or all of the graphic data may be rendered and someInternet data may be requested by the gaming application. The requesteddata is received by the Ethernet device 66 or by a wireless network onthe main module 24. This received data is routed to the computing modulethat has requested the data. This routing occurs with the help of themain module processor 40. Some hardware acceleration may be included inthe main module to assist the data routing if performance is a concern.The path the data may take is usually the path of the Ethernet linkbetween the main module and the computing module.

The processor 74 the computing module processes the Internet data andwould usually engage the graphics processor 76 to mix Internet data withgraphic data generated by a gaming application. The audio signal fromthe gaming application can be sent to the digital audio decoder 80 forsound effect processes sing. The graphic picture and audio signals aresent back to the main module through the high definition multimediainterfaces 92 and 72. The video post processing block 44 receives thevideo signal and may perform image enhancement processing and passes theresult to the display processor 13 for video output. Like before, thevideo output can be done via V-by-one and LVDS or can be analog such asYPbPr.

The audio post processor 62 receives the audio signal and may performpost processing and prepares audio output. The audio output can bedigital such as I2S or SPDIF or can be analog such as a line out signal.

Interactions between the user and the system is through either aBluetooth or infrared remote control or a Bluetooth game controller in amodern system, whose signal is received by the Bluetooth or infraredreceiver 144 on the main module. The processor 40 of the main modulewill send a command to the computing module through the Ethernet linkbetween the main module and the computing module. Also, it should beunderstood that voice data may be present in some interactive scenarios.The computing module processor 74 will take corresponding actions tocontrol the game based on the voice data received.

Referring to FIGS. 22 and 23, these Figures illustrate an embodiment ofan application scenario from a set top box. FIG. 22 illustrates whereinthe set top box outputs a HDMI signal. The HDMI receiver 72 of the mainmodule receives the HDMI signal. The HDMI receiver 72 derives the videosignal and sends it to the video post processing block 44, wherein imageenhancement processing is performed and the end result is passed todisplay processor 13 for output to the display panel. As always, theoutput can take one of many of the number of different formats, such asV-by-one and LVDS or can be analog such as YPbPr. The HDMI receiver 72also sends the audio signal to the audio post processor 62, wherein theaudio signal is processed for sound effect and output. The output can bedigital such as 12S or SPDIF or can be analog such as a line out signal.

Referring to FIG. 23, this scenario shows with external set top boxoutputs analog video and audio signals. Here, the audio video inputdevice 70 digitizes the video signal and sends it to the video postprocessor 44, wherein image enhancement processing is performed and theend result is passed to display block 13 for output to a display panel.The output can be digital such as V-by-one and LVDS or can be analogsuch as YPbPr. The audio/video input device 70 also digitizes the audiosignal and sends it to the audio post processor 62, wherein the signalwas processed for sound effect and output. The output can be digital,such as 12S or SPDIF or can be analog such as a line out signal.

Referring to FIG. 24, an embodiment of a multiscreen sharing applicationscenario is shown. Here, the TV system 10 or the main module 24 canmirror or repeat the images that are shown on a smart phone or tablet152. The smart phone or tablet 152 sends an encoded or compressed bitstream of the screen images to the main module 24 through Wi-Fi to thereceiver 50. The bit stream is routed to one of the computing modules 26or 28. This routing may occur with the help of the processor 40 of themain module. In addition, some hardware accelerator can be included inthem main module to assist the data routing if performance is a concern.The data path may be the Ethernet link between the main module 24 andthe computing module 26 or 28.

The computing module processor 74 may process the bit stream and derivethe video and audio streams. The video stream is sent to the digitalvideo decoder 78 for video decoding and the audio stream is sent to thedigital audio processor 80 for audio decoding. The decoded video andaudio signals are sent back to the main module through the HDMItransmitter 92. The video post processing block 44 receives the videosignal and does image enhancement processing and passes the results todisplay processor 13 for video output. The audio post processor 62receives the audio signals and may perform post processing and preparefor audio output. Referring to FIG. 25, an embodiment of a multiscreeninteraction scenario is shown. Here, the smart phone or tablet device152 may work together with the TV system 10 to bring some desiredcontent to the main module display. The smart phone or tablet device 152and the main module both connect an external wireless access point 154that allows connection to the Internet. The smart phone or tablet 152sends the URL of the intended content to the main module 24.

The main module 24 requests the desired bit stream from the URL androutes the bit stream to the intended application in the intendedcomputing module 26 or 28. Alternatively, when the intended computingmodule 26 or 28 is made with a virtual IP address as describedpreviously, the smart phone or tablet 152 can send the URL of theintended content to the computing module 26 or 28 through the mainmodule 24. Thus, the computing module 26 or 28 requests the desiredvideo bit stream from the URL and the bit stream is fetched to thecomputing module via the main module. Routing is with the help of theprocessor 40 of the main module. Some hardware accelerator can beincluded in the main module 24 to assist the data routing if performanceis a concern. The data path between the main module 24 and the computingmodule 26 or 28 may be the Ethernet link between the two.

The processor 74 of the computing module processes the bit stream andderives the video and audio streams. The video stream is sent to thevideo decoder 78 for video decoding, while the audio stream is sent tothe digital audio processor 80 for audio decoding.

The decoded video and audio signals are sent back to the main module 24through the HMDI interfaces 92 and 72. The video post processor 44receives the video signal and performs image enhancement and processingand passes the result to the display processor 13 for video output. Theaudio post processor 62 receives the audio signal and does postprocessing and prepares an audio output. Video and audio may bedisplayed by the main module display 12 while the phone or tablet 152performs other tasks, such as interactions.

Referring to FIG. 26, another scenario involving video on demandstreaming is shown. Here, the computing module is configured to haveindependent network access. Internet data is requested by the computingmodule streaming application running on the computing module processor74. The requested data may be received by the network block 88 either byEthernet or by Wi-Fi. The processor 74 processes the Internet data andderives the video and audio streams. The video stream is transmitted tothe digital video decoder 78, while the audio stream is transmitted tothe digital audio decoder 80. The decoded video and audio streams aresent back to the main module through the HDMI interfaces 72 and 92. Thevideo post processing block 44 receives the video signal and may performimage enhancement processing and pass the result to the displayprocessor 13 for video output. The audio post processor 62 receives theaudio signals and may perform audio post processing and prepare an audiooutput. Interactions between the user and the system may be through thereceiver 144 which may receive a Bluetooth or infrared remote controlsignal. The main module processor 40 will send the command to thecomputing module through the Ethernet link between the main module andthe computing module. Further, voice data may be present in someinteraction scenarios. The computing module processor 74 will takecorresponding actions based on any received data.

Referring to FIG. 27, an application scenario involving interactivegaming is shown. Here, the gaming application may be running on theprocessor 74 and graphics processor 76 of the computing module 26. Somegraphic data may be rendered. In addition, it is possible that someInternet data may be requested by the game application. This requesteddata is received by the network device 88 via either Ethernet or Wi-Fi.The computing module processor 74 processes the Internet data that wouldusually engage the graphics processor 76 so as to mix the Internet datawith the graphic data generated by the game application.

The audio signal from the game application can be sent to the digitalaudio decoder 80 for sound effect processing. The graphic picture andaudio signals are sent back to the main module through the HDMItransmitters and receivers 72 and 92. The video post processor 44receives the video signal and may perform image enhancement processingand passes the result to the display processor 13 for video output. Theaudio post processor 62 receives the audio signal and may perform postprocessing as it prepares an audio output.

Interactions between the user and the system may be through a Bluetoothor infrared remote control interacting with a receiver 144. For example,the game controller may be a Bluetooth controller whose signal isreceived by the receiver 144 on the main module. The processor 40 of themain module will send the command to the computing module through theInternet link between the main module and the computing module. Asbefore, voice data may be present in some interactive scenarios, whereinthe processor 74 of the main module will take corresponding actionsbased on the received data.

Referring to FIG. 28, a multiscreen sharing application scenario isshown. Here, the TV system 10 can mirror or repeat the images that areshown on a smart phone or tablet 152. The smart phone or tablet 152sends an encoded or compressed bit stream of the screen images to thecomputing module 26 through Wi-Fi to the receiver 88.

The computing module processor 74 may process the bit stream and derivethe video and audio streams. The video stream is sent to the digitalvideo decoder 78 for video decoding and the audio stream is sent to thedigital audio processor 80 for audio decoding. The decoded video andaudio signals are sent back to the main module through the HDMItransmitter 92. The video post processing block 44 receives the videosignal and does image enhancement processing and passes the results todisplay processor 13 for video output. The audio post processor 62receives the audio signals and may perform post processing and preparefor audio output. Referring to FIG. 29, a multiscreen interactionscenario is shown. Here, the smart phone or tablet device 152 may worktogether with the TV system 10 to bring some desired content to the mainmodule display. The smart phone or tablet device 152 and the computingmodule 26 both connect an external wireless access point 154 that allowsconnection to the Internet. The smart phone or tablet 152 sends the URLof the intended content to the computing module 26

The computing module 26 requests the desired bit stream from the URL androutes the bit stream to the processor 74. The processor 74 of thecomputing module processes the bit stream and derives the video andaudio streams. The video stream is sent to the video decoder 78 forvideo decoding, while the audio stream is sent to the digital audioprocessor 80 for audio decoding.

The decoded video and audio signals are sent back to the main module 24through the HMDI interfaces 92 and 72. The video post processor 44receives the video signal and performs image enhancement and processingand passes the result to the display processor 13 for video output. Theaudio post processor 62 receives the audio signal and does postprocessing and prepares an audio output. Video and audio may bedisplayed by the main module display 12 while the phone or tablet 152performs other tasks, such as interactions.

Referring back to FIG. 4, the powering on and off of the system 10 willbe briefly explained. Generally, when the system 10 is powered on, themain module 24 is first to begin booting up. The main module 24 mayprovide some type of on screen display to display 12 as it begins toinitialize the main module 24 blocks. The main module 24 will providepower to the computing modules 26 and 28 so that the computing modulescan also being booting up.

Upon both the main module 24 and the computing modules 26 and 28 finishbooting, the system 10 will go to a television channel or streamingservice application where the user last left when the system 10 waspowered off. For a first time boot, the system 10 may default to acertain television channel or a certain user interface.

When there are two or more computing modules 26 and 28, one of thecomputing modules, which may be the computing module whose applicationis presented to the user interface upon booting up, or all the computingmodules can be in the power on state. It is also possible that somecomputing modules, such as those without a user interface presence, canbe chosen to be in standby or sleep or even power off state to savepower.

When powering off the system, the computing modules 26 and 28 may bepowered off first, with each computing module 26 or 28 storing in itsown state. The main module 24 may then be ready to be powered off andwould also store its own state, including information of which computingmodule 26 or 28 was active. In the process of powering off, the display12 may be shut off while the powering off process is continuing in thebackground.

Referring to FIG. 30, once the system 10 is powered on and a computingmodule 26 is detected as being plugged in, the main module 24 can probefor device information of the computing module 26 by querying a solidstate device 158 of the computing module 26. The solid state device 158may be an EEPROM device that stores ID information in the form of EDID.By so doing, the system 10 can verify if the computing module 26 iscertified and learn the compatibility and capability of the computingmodule 26. This provides some protection to the system 10. The links 160and 162 between the computing module 26 and main module 24 may be I2Clinks.

Referring to FIG. 31, a modular television system 210 is shown. As itsprimary components, the modular television system includes a displaysubsystem 212 having a housing 214 that contains a display panel 216 fordisplaying images. In addition, the system 210 includes a televisionmodule subsystem 218. The television module subsystem 218 includes ahousing 220. The housing 220 may include a main board 222 and ports 224,227 and 226. It should be understood that the ports 224, 227 and 226 maybe combined into a signal port or may be broken up into multiple ports.The display subsystem 212 may also contain ports 228, 229 and 230 thatmay be connected to ports 224, 227 and 226, respectively, by cords 232,231 and 234. As stated before, any number of ports may be utilized. In acase a signal port is used on the television module subsystem 218 andthe display subsystem 212, only a single cord will be utilized.

In the embodiment shown in FIG. 31, the housing 220 of the televisionmodule subsystem includes a timing controller 236, a power source 238and a backlight controller 240. The timing controller 236 is incommunication with the display panel 216 as configured to control imagesdisplayed by the display panel 216 of the display subsystem 212.

The backlight controller 240 is in communication with the display panel216 as well. The backlight controller 240 is configured to control thebacklighting on the display panel 216. Another cord 231 may be connectedto a port 227 of the television module subsystem 218 and a port 229 ofthe display subsystem 212. This allows for the backlight controller tocontrol the backlights of the display panel 216.

The power supply 238 may be configured to provide power to the mainboard 222 of the television module subsystem 218 and provide power tothe display subsystem 212 as well via cord or cords 232 and 234.

Speakers may be located in the housing 220 of the television subsystemmodule 218. The speakers 242 function to provide audio related to theimages displayed on the display panel 216.

FIG. 32 illustrates another embodiment of the system 210. In thisembodiment, the speakers 242 are separate from the housing 220 of thesubsystem 218. FIG. 33 illustrates yet another embodiment of the system210, wherein the timing controller 236 is not located within the housing220 of the television subsystem 218, but is rather located within thehousing 214 of the display system 212. In addition or alternatively to,it is also possible the backlight controller 240 can also be locatedwithin the housing 214 of the display subsystem 212 as well, as shown inFIG. 34.

FIG. 35 illustrates another embodiment of the system 210. Here, the mainboard 222 has been replaced with a main module 24 and an optionalcomputing module 26 previously described in FIG. 5 as well as otherFigures and paragraphs of this description. In like manner, thebacklight control 240 and timing controller 236 may be located withinthe housing 220 of the television subsystem module or may be locatedwithin the housing 214 of the display panel subsystem 212. It should beunderstood, that the main module 24 may now be separate from thedisplay, unlike the embodiments previously described.

FIG. 36 illustrates yet another embodiment of the system 210. Here, thetelevision module subsystem 218 and the display subsystem 212 haveseparate speakers 242 a and 242 b. Generally, the speakers 242 a and 242b may be connected to the television subsystem 218, which will providethe speakers 242 a and 242 b with an appropriate audio signal. Ofcourse, it should be understood that any one of the number of differentspeakers or number of speakers may be utilized.

Referring to FIGS. 37, 38, and 39, alternative embodiments of the system210 are shown. In each of these embodiments, the housing 220 of thetelevision module subsystem 218 is attached to a backside of the displaypanel system 212, such that the housing 220 is located on the oppositeside of the display panel subsystem 212 in relation to the actualdisplay 216. In FIG. 37, only one speaker system 242 is shown generallyat the bottom of the housing 214 of the display system 212. FIG. 38shows speakers 242 a and 242 b generally located at opposing sides ofthe housing 214 of the display module subsystem 212. Finally, FIG. 39shows speakers 242 a, 242 b, 242 c, and 242 d each generally being incontact with the perimeter of the housing 214 of the display modulesubsystem 212. Of course, it should be understood that any number ofdifferent speaker configurations can be utilized and that embodimentsshown in these Figures are for illustrative purposes.

As a person skilled in the art will readily appreciate, the abovedescription is meant as an illustration of implementation of theprinciples of this invention. This description is not intended to limitthe scope or application of this invention in that the invention issusceptible to modification, variation and change, without departingfrom the spirit of this invention, as defined in the following claims.

I/We claim:
 1. A main module system wherein the main module systemcomprises: a main module processor; a display panel in communicationwith the main module processor; at least one computing module port incommunication with the main module processor; wherein the main moduleprocessor presents audio and video received by the main moduleprocessor; wherein the main module processor is configured tocommunicate with a removable computing module, the removable computingmodule is configured to connect to the computing module port of the mainmodule, wherein the removable computing module has a computing moduleprocessor, and wherein the main module processor is configured tocommunicate with the computing module processor when presenting audioand/or video received by at least one of a plurality of input/outputports, the plurality of input/output ports being in communication withthe main module processor or computing module processor.
 2. The systemof claim 1, wherein the main module further comprises the plurality ofinput/output ports and wherein the main module processor is configuredto allow the removable computing module to communicate with theplurality of input/output ports when the removable computing module isconnected to the computing module port.
 3. The system of claim 1,wherein the removable computing module comprises the plurality ofinput/output ports and wherein a computing module processor isconfigured to allow the main module processor to communicate with theplurality of input/output ports when the removable computing module isconnected to the computing module port.
 4. The system of claim 1,wherein the computing module port further includes an interfaceconfigured to provide to the computing module: Ethernet, a transportstream for decoding after a television signal is demodulated by the mainmodule, and a High-Definition Multimedia Interface.
 5. The system ofclaim 4, wherein the computing module port further comprises at leastone Universal Serial Bus link.
 6. The system of claim 1, wherein theplurality of input/output ports includes a Universal Serial Bus port, aHigh-Definition Multimedia Interface port, an infrared port, or awireless interface.
 7. The system of claim 6, wherein the wirelessinterface includes either a Wi-Fi or Bluetooth interface.
 8. The systemof claim 1, wherein the main module processor is configured to performanalog video receiving and decoding, digital video receiving andconnecting to a network via the plurality of input/output ports.
 9. Thesystem of claim 8, wherein the computing module processor is configuredto perform one of the following: ultra-high definition decoding,transport stream de-multiplexing, providing a graphical user interfaceto the display panel of the main module, or processing third partyapplications.
 10. The system of claim 1, wherein the main moduleprocessor is configured to direct data received from an external deviceto the computing module processor for processing and wherein the mainmodule processor is configured to receive processed data from thecomputing module and display images of the processed data on the displaypanel of the modular television system.
 11. The system of claim 1,further comprising a housing, wherein the main module system is locatedwithin the housing, the housing having an opening for receiving thecomputing module.
 12. A removable computing module for a modulartelevision system, the removable computing module comprising: acomputing module processor; at least one computing module port incommunication with the computing module processor, wherein the removablecomputing module connects to the modular television system via thecomputing module port; and wherein the computing module processor isconfigured to communicate with a main module processor of the modulartelevision system, wherein the computing module processor is configuredto assist the main module processor with presenting audio and videoreceived by at least one of a plurality of input/output ports.
 13. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the modular television system furthercomprises the plurality of input/output ports and wherein the computingmodule processor is configured to communicate with the plurality ofinput/output ports when the removable computing module is connected tothe modular television system.
 14. The system of claim 12, wherein theremovable computing module comprises the plurality of input/output portsand wherein a computing module processor is configured to allow the mainmodule processor to communicate with the plurality of input/output portswhen the removable computing module is connected to the modulartelevision system.
 15. The modular television system of claim 12,wherein the computing module port further includes an interfaceconfigured to provide to the computing module Ethernet, a transportstream for decoding after a television signal is demodulated by the mainmodule, and a High-Definition Multimedia Interface.
 16. The system ofclaim 12, wherein the plurality of input/output ports includes aUniversal Serial Bus port, a High-Definition Multimedia Interface port,an infrared port or a wireless interface.
 17. The system of claim 12,wherein the computing module processor is configured to perform one ofthe following: ultra-high definition decoding, transport streamde-multiplexing, providing a graphical user interface to a display panelof the main module, or processing third party applications.
 18. Thesystem of claim 12, wherein the computing module processor is configuredto connect to an external device via the plurality of input/outputports.
 19. The system of claim 18, wherein the computing moduleprocessor is configured to receive from the external device forprocessing and wherein the computing module processor is configured totransmit processed data to the main module processor for displayingimages of the processed data on a display panel of the modulartelevision system.
 20. A modular television system, the modulartelevision system comprising: a main module having a main moduleprocessor; a removable computing module having a computing moduleprocessor; a display panel in communication with the main moduleprocessor; at least one computing module port in communication with themain module processor; wherein the main module processor presents audioand video received by the main module processor; wherein the main moduleprocessor is configured to communicate with the removable computingmodule, the removable computing module is configured to connect to thecomputing module port of the main module, wherein the main moduleprocessor is configured to communicate with the computing moduleprocessor when presenting audio and/or video received by at least one ofa plurality of input/output ports, the plurality of input/output portsbeing in communication with the main module processor or computingmodule processor; and wherein the computing module processor isconfigured to communicate with a main module processor of the modulartelevision system, wherein the computing module processor is configuredto assist the main module processor with presenting audio and/or videoreceived by at least one of a plurality of input/output ports.